The Mount Newsletter for January 21, 2026

Bible Study is back TODAY at 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM




The Whip, the Hammer, and the Cross Casting Call

The Whip, the Hammer, and the Cross 2026 will be on Saturday, April 4th. We will share stories from the Gospel of Matthew. We'd love to have you join us in the cast or crew. Each year, Rev. Butler tailors the script to the cast that signs up. So...we need you to let us know you are interested. We need at least 15 brothers in the cast and probably that many on the crew too.Can we count on you? Rehearsals will begin mid-February. If you know you want to help us tell this story, sign ups start on Sunday! 


On Sunday, January 25th, you are invited to stay after worship to experience the WINNER of the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film at the Richmond International Film Festival. Echoes of a Dream isn't just history; it's a call to action. Watch this award-winning documentary that pulls you inside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy in Virginia, revealing not only the dream, but the struggle and unfinished fight that still echoes today. Watch it. Feel it. Carry it forward. A brief discussion with film creator, Tyrone Nelson, Jr. will follow.



To nominate someone, please send their name and a brief explanation of their accomplishments to webmaster@smzbc.org.



For 2026, we want to reintroduce ministers, deacons, and church members to serve as worship participants. If you are interested, please email office@smzbc.org OR call the church office (804-648-7511). Please  do not  verbally share your interest after worship on Sunday. NOTE: those who participate must be able to meet for about 30 minutes the Saturday before they serve.





In an effort to keep everyone safe during worship and ministry activities, our Trustees are asking all members and guests to help us maintain a secure environment. In this current climate, we must all do our part to stay vigilant and protect one another. Please remember the following important guidelines:

Be aware of your surroundings at all times while on church property. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, notify a Trustee or Staff Person immediately.

Do not prop open any exterior doors under any circumstances. All doors should remain closed and locked unless they are being actively monitored.

Arrive on Time for Worship: Arriving on time also helps us maintain a secure environment, as it reduces the need to open the exterior doors multiple times once worship has begun.

Exit the building promptly after worship and other events so that our Trustees can properly secure the church.

Thank you for partnering with us to make Sixth Mount Zion a safe and welcoming place for everyone.